Madison Community Foundation Impacts Environment with $2.7 Million

 
 Photo courtesy of Eric Tank

Madison Community Foundation has facilitated more than $2.7 million in funding for environmental initiatives since January 2005. From connecting interstate bike trails in Dane County to assisting in the protection of fragile ecosystems, MCF and its fundholders have funded a wide variety of organizations that impact the environment.

“Focus on environment is our past, present and our future,” acknowledges Kathleen Woit, President of Madison Community Foundation. “Education, restoration and conservation are critical to sustain a healthy planet. MCF has included the environment as one of seven grantmaking focus areas since 1986, and many of our donors regularly support a variety of environmental projects.”

While Madison Community Foundation unrestricted grants focus exclusively on Dane County, its fundholders may support the environment on a global scale. Total funding through Madison Community Foundation includes the following projects: 
  • Acquisition and rehabilitation of parks and parkland                                                                                                                
  • Restoration and preservation of ecologically significant historical locations
  • Acquisition, restoration and protection of fragile ecosystems including forest, prairie, wetlands, coastal, and watershed areas 
  • Creation of miles of bike and hiking trails
  • Assistance for the establishment of REAP – an environmentally and economically sustainable regional food system
  • Support for organic farmers and organic farms
  • Preservation efforts for flora and fauna species
  • Facilities for biodiversity preservation at Henry Vilas Zoo
  • Support for specialized botanical and avian teaching and preservation resources
  • Development of dozens of community gardens and a greenhouse
  • Support for development of energy efficiency initiatives
  • Provision for Community Car vehicles and memberships to a variety of constituencies
  • Construction of  facilities specifically used for ecological education
  • Establishment of eco-educational programs for children, youth and adults
  • Creation of ecology-based resource collections at several Dane County libraries
  • Funding of sustainable development initiatives
  • Establishment of endowments as a means of funding stewardship of conservation areas
  • Research and education for recycling, waste reduction, and green energy solutions
  • Support for a wide variety of ecology-focused organizations     

To find out how Madison Community Foundation can help you support your favorite environmental initiative, contact Amy Overby, Vice President, Donor Relations, or Paul Houseman, Donor Relations Manager, at (608) 232-1763.

For privacy reasons, projects, funders, and amounts are not listed.